Potassium Hydroxide
Potassium Hydroxide is a highly concentrated, caustic alkaline chemical available as a solid (pellets, flakes) or concentrated aqueous solution. It is a strong base widely used in industrial processes, chemical manufacturing, and as a reagent. Potassium Hydroxide provides excellent neutralizing, saponifying, and cleaning properties and is essential in producing potassium soaps, biodiesel, fertilizers, and various chemical compounds. Its high purity and concentration (90%) make it suitable for demanding applications requiring strong alkalinity.
Potassium Hydroxide
Primary Uses
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Used as a strong base and neutralizing agent in chemical syntheses and industrial processes.
- Essential for manufacturing potassium soaps and detergents by saponification of fats and oils.
- Utilized in biodiesel production as a catalyst in transesterification reactions.
- Used in the production of potassium carbonate, potassium phosphates, and other potassium salts.
- Food Industry
- Used as a food-grade alkali for pH regulation and peeling in food processing (e.g., peeling fruits and vegetables).
- Employed in cocoa and chocolate processing to alkalize cocoa products.
- Water Treatment
- Used to control water pH and neutralize acidic water in municipal and industrial treatment plants.
- Agriculture
- Raw material in the manufacture of potassium fertilizers and soil amendments.
- Cleaning Products
- Key ingredient in industrial cleaners, drain openers, and degreasers due to its strong alkaline properties.
Secondary Uses
- Pharmaceuticals
- Used in small quantities in drug formulations and pharmaceutical intermediates.
- Battery Manufacturing
- Employed as electrolyte in alkaline batteries and fuel cells.
- Laboratory Reagent
- Used extensively as a strong base in analytical chemistry and titrations.
- Cosmetics
- Used in controlled amounts for pH adjustment in some personal care products.
1. Basic Identification Attributes
- Chemical Name (IUPAC): Potassium hydroxide
- Common/Trade Name: Potassium Hydroxide 90%
- CAS Number: 1310-58-3
- HS Code: 2815.11 (Potassium hydroxide)
- Synonyms: Caustic potash; KOH
2. Physical & Chemical Properties
- Physical State: Solid (pellets, flakes) or concentrated aqueous solution (~90% w/w)
- Color & Odor: White; odorless
- Solubility: Highly soluble in water, exothermic dissolution
- Melting Point: 360°C (decomposes)
- Density: ~2.044 g/cm³ (solid); ~1.5 g/cm³ (90% solution)
- Stability: Stable under normal conditions; highly reactive with acids and water
3. Safety & Hazard Attributes
- GHS Classification: Corrosive (Skin corrosion Category 1A), Serious eye damage (Category 1)
- Toxicity: Highly corrosive and hazardous upon contact or inhalation
- Exposure Limits: Strict occupational exposure limits apply; avoid contact and inhalation
4. Storage & Handling Attributes
- Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers; keep dry and away from acids
- Container Type: HDPE drums, plastic-lined steel containers
- Shelf Life: Typically 1–3 years if stored properly
- Handling Precautions: Use full PPE including gloves, goggles, face shield, and protective clothing; avoid moisture contact
5. Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
- Complies with chemical safety regulations including OSHA, REACH, and local standards
- Classified as hazardous material for transport and handling
6. Environmental & Health Impact
- Biodegradability: Inorganic compound; not biodegradable but neutralizes in environment quickly
- Ecotoxicity: Harmful to aquatic organisms at high concentrations due to alkalinity
- Bioaccumulation: Not applicable
Safety Handling Precautions
- PPE Required: Chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection, face shield, and protective clothing mandatory
- Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid inhalation of mist and skin contact
- Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed; prevent contact with acids and moisture
First Aid Measures
- Inhalation: Move to fresh air immediately; seek urgent medical attention for respiratory distress
- Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; wash skin thoroughly with water for at least 15 minutes; seek medical help for burns
- Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with water for at least 15 minutes; seek immediate medical attention
- Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; rinse mouth and seek immediate medical care
Firefighting Measures
- Fire Hazards: Non-flammable but reacts violently with water and acids
- Extinguishing Media: Use water spray to dilute and cool; avoid dry chemicals near reactive materials
- Special Precautions: Firefighters must wear full protective gear and self-contained breathing apparatus
- Hazardous Combustion Products: May produce potassium oxides and corrosive fumes
Related products
Basic Laundry Detergent
Basic Laundry Detergent is a cleaning agent formulated primarily for washing textiles such as clothes, linens, and other fabrics. It typically contains surfactants, builders, enzymes, and other additives that work synergistically to remove dirt, stains, and odors from fabrics. Designed for household and industrial use, laundry detergents help restore fabric cleanliness and freshness while maintaining fiber integrity. Basic laundry detergents can be in powder, liquid, or tablet form, and are formulated to perform in various water hardness conditions and temperatures.
Caustic Soda Flakes (Sodium Hydroxide)
Caustic Soda Flakes, also known as Sodium Hydroxide Flakes (NaOH), are a highly alkaline, white, solid substance that is crystalline and flaky in form. Produced by evaporating aqueous sodium hydroxide solutions, these flakes are highly soluble in water and exhibit strong corrosive properties. Caustic Soda Flakes are widely used in a variety of industrial, chemical, and manufacturing processes due to their strong alkalinity, ability to saponify fats, and effectiveness in pH adjustment. Their high purity and ease of handling in flake form make them suitable for use in chemical synthesis, pulp and paper production, water treatment, and detergent manufacturing.
Sodium Alumina Silicate
Sodium Alumina Silicate is an inorganic compound consisting of sodium, aluminum, and silicon oxides. It is typically found as a white, amorphous powder with excellent adsorption and ion-exchange properties. Commonly used as a detergent builder, water softener, and desiccant, sodium alumina silicate improves cleaning efficiency, controls water hardness, and aids moisture absorption. Its thermal stability and chemical inertness make it valuable across detergent manufacturing, water treatment, and various industrial processes.
Sodium Disilicate
Sodium Disilicate, commonly supplied in granular or powder form, is an alkaline, water-soluble compound used widely in industrial applications. It functions primarily as a binder, adhesive, and corrosion inhibitor. Its high alkalinity and silicate content make it effective in detergents, water treatment, and cement manufacturing. Sodium Disilicate is valued for its ability to improve strength and durability of materials, as well as its effectiveness in cleaning and stabilizing processes.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate
Sodium Hexametaphosphate (SHMP) is a high-efficiency sequestrant and dispersing agent widely used across industrial applications. It appears as a white, odorless powder or granule, highly soluble in water, and is valued for its ability to chelate metal ions, soften water, and disperse solids. Its role in preventing scale formation and stabilizing chemical formulations makes it a key ingredient in water treatment, cleaning agents, and textile processing. It is the primary active ingredient in many commercial and industrial water treatment formulations, most notably as the original key component in the Calgon® brand of water softeners and scale inhibitors. While modern "Calgon" products may contain blended formulations, the term has become a common genericized reference for polyphosphate-based scale prevention, rooted in this chemical's function.
Sodium Hexametaphosphate Food Grade
Sodium Hexametaphosphate Food Grade is a white, granular or powdery inorganic compound composed of sodium and metaphosphoric acid polymers. It is highly soluble in water and acts as an effective sequestrant, dispersing agent, and water softener. SHMP is widely used across various industries including food processing, water treatment, detergents, ceramics, and metallurgy. It helps control hardness, prevent scale formation, and stabilize formulations, making it valuable in both industrial and consumer applications.
Sodium Tripolyphosphate
Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP), chemical formula Na₅P₃O₁₀, is a white, granular or powdery inorganic compound widely used as a sequestrant, dispersant, and detergent builder. This 25kg packaged product is highly soluble in water, forming alkaline solutions that effectively soften water by chelating calcium and magnesium ions. Its excellent emulsifying and dispersing properties make it an essential ingredient in detergents, water treatment, food processing, and industrial cleaning applications.
Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium Phosphate (TSP) is an inorganic, highly alkaline compound commonly available as a white, granular or crystalline solid. It is widely used for its powerful cleaning, degreasing, buffering, and water-softening properties. TSP is a versatile compound with significant utility across food processing, detergents, industrial cleaning, water treatment, and construction industries. It also acts as a flux, pH adjuster, emulsifier, and sequestrant. Both technical and food grades are available depending on the application.

Preservatives(food)
Flavor Enhancers
Acidulants
Sweeteners
Antioxidants
Colorants(food)
Nutraceutical Ingredients (food)
Nutrient Supplements
Emulsifiers
Collectors
Dust Suppressants
Explosives and Blasting Agents
Flocculants and Coagulants
Frothers
Leaching Agents
pH Modifiers
Precious Metal Extraction Agents
Antioxidants(plastic)
Colorants (Pigments, Dyes)
Fillers and Reinforcements
Flame Retardants
Monomers
Plasticizers
Polymerization Initiators
Stabilizers (UV, Heat)
Antifoaming Agents
Chelating Agents
Coagulants and Flocculants
Corrosion Inhibitors
Disinfectants and Biocides
Oxidizing Agents
pH Adjusters
Scale Inhibitors( water)
Antioxidants(cosmetic)
Emollients
Fragrances and Essential Oils
Humectants
Preservatives
Surfactants(cosmetic)
Thickeners
UV Filters
Fertilizers
Soil Conditioners
Plant Growth Regulators
Animal Feed Additives
Biostimulants
Pesticides (Herbicides, Insecticides, Fungicides)
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs)
Excipients
Solvents(pharmaceutical)
Antibiotics
Antiseptics and Disinfectants
Vaccine Adjuvants
Nutraceutical Ingredients (pharmaceutical)
Analgesics & Antipyretics
Analytical Reagents
Solvents(lab)
Chromatography Chemicals
Spectroscopy Reagents
microbiology-and-cell-culture-reagents
Molecular Biology Reagents
Biochemical Reagents
Inorganic and Organic Standards
Laboratory Safety Chemicals
Specialty Laboratory Chemicals(Special Laboratory Equipment)
Demulsifiers
Hydraulic Fracturing Fluids
Scale Inhibitors(oil)
Surfactants(oil)
Drilling Fluids
Dyes and Pigments
Bleaching Agents
Softening Agents
Finishing Agents
Antistatic Agents
Admixtures
Waterproofing Agents
Sealants and Adhesives
Curing Compounds
Concrete Repair Chemicals
Anti-Corrosion Coatings
Surfactants(cleaning)
Builders
Enzymes
Solvents (Cleaning)
Fragrances
Electronic Chemicals
Catalysts
Lubricants
Photographic Chemicals
Refrigerants
Automotive chemicals
Pyrotechnic Chemicals
Biodegradable Surfactants
Bio-based Solvents
Renewable Polymers
Carbon Capture Chemicals
Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Pigments
Solvents(paint)
Specialty Coatings
Binders/Resins
Additives
Driers
Anti-Corrosion Agents
Functional Coatings
Application-Specific Coatings
Leavening Agents
Dough Conditioners
Flour Treatments
Fat Replacers
Decoratives
Preservatives(baking)
Plasticizers & Softeners
Reinforcing Agents
Adhesion Promoters
Vulcanizing Agents
Antidegradants
Blowing Agents
Fillers & Extenders
Accelerators & Retarders